Vegetation sampling is an effective exploration technique in areas of transported cover where other techniques have been of limited success. Several plant species were sampled along transects across 9 known Au ore bodies; Triodia pungens was found give a Au, As, ±Zn, ±S, ±Ce and ±La signature which represented mineralisation through cover materials and Eucalyptus brevifolia was found to give a geobotanical and ±Ca, ±Mg, P, S and Zn signature of underlying geological structure. The Hyperion prospect was used as a ‘blind’ target as there was no background information available until after interpretation was carried out. Mineralisation was located at the contact between granite and dolerite, biogeochemical signatures from E. brevifolia and Acacia bivenosa showed areas of change in ±Au, Ba, Ce, ±Cu, La, ±Mn, Nd, P, S, Sm, Y and Zn which corresponded to this contact. All species in the Pine Creek Orogen were able to present areas elevated in Au, As, ±Zn, ±S, ±Mo and ±Cu which provide future drilling targets. Biogeochemical sampling was able to determine the location of mineralisation at each site and identify underlying substrate changes, however, background knowledge relating to regolith, geology, hydrology and geophysics are important in aiding the interpretation of the elemental data as each component of the substrate influences the elements which a plant will uptake. Mineral exploration in Australia has been driven by the search for large ore deposits close to the surface. This has led to the need to develop technologies for detecting mineral deposits under cover, which can be up to several hundred metres of transported sediments. The aim of this research was to test the feasibility of using vegetation biogeochemical sampling over known Au deposits within semi-arid and arid terrains. Biogeochemical sampling has the advantages of being cost effective, sustainable, environmentally friendly and relatively easy to perform. Nine field sites were covered, 4 in the Tanami Region (Coyote, Larranganni, Hyperion and Titania), 4 in the Pine Creek Orogen (Johns Hill, Great Northern, Glencoe and McKinlay) and 1 in the Gawler Craton (Tunkillia). At each of these sites the dominant species were sampled and the elemental concentrations of the plant were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to test if they were able to detect buried mineralisation. In general, all species identified as being deep rooted (larger trees, paperbarks and spinifex) were able to detect mineralisation in each location within multi-element dispersion haloes centring over the projected ore body. Variations were dependant upon species differences and root structures, groundwater influences, and the potential for detrital contamination. In arid Australia, Triodia spp. were shown to be ideal for closely spaced tenement/prospect scale exploration, and Heteropogon spp. show similar trends for the humid tropics. Eucalyptus/Corymbia spp. are more suitable for widely spaced regional sampling exploration as they amalgamate a wider signal with strong groundwater influences. It was found that all plant species were effective at expressing buried mineralisation in a multi-element suite (pathfinders: Au, As, S, Zn, +(Ce/La), _Mo and _Cu) through cover in these terrains provided care was taken with sampling and interpretation. Regolith materials, botanical properties and landforms are essential background knowledge for determining the effectiveness of biogeochemical sampling. Plants with deep root systems with little lateral spread are ideal for prospect/tenement mineral exploration programs, and plants with wide lateral spreads and large chemical uptake potentials are ideal for regional mineral exploration programs. This exploration strategy would be quick, sustainable and relatively cheap compared to other methods of exploration. This is not to say that biogeochemical sampling would be the only tool needed for further mineral exploration in Australia. This process would work best if used in conjunction with other sampling methods like geophysics and some soil sampling techniques. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1351318 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2009

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-07-28Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:56:27Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 rasteiro_vmc_me_sjc.pdf: 1221269 bytes, checksum: f3aeff19484ca0a9a263ca0d701959a9 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro e in vivo dos óleos essenciais de Cymbopogon citratus e Melaleuca alternifolia sobre Candida albicans. No estudo in vitro foi determinada a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) de M. alternifolia e C. citratus em culturas planctônicas de C. albicans de acordo com as normas da NCCLS. Os efeitos dos óleos essenciais também foram testados sobre biofilmes de C. albicans formados no fundo da placa de 96 poços por 48 horas. Para a realização do estudo in vivo, foram utilizados 42 camundongos imunossuprimidos por injeções de prednisolona. A indução de candidose experimental foi realizada por inoculações de C. albicans (108 células/mL) no dorso da língua dos animais e administração de tetraciclina na água de beber. A seguir, os camundongos foram tratados com 3 aplicações do óleo essencial de C. citratus, M. alternifolia ou solução fisiológica (grupo Controle) no dorso da língua. Foram realizadas coletas de amostras bucais, antes e após o tratamento, para recuperação de leveduras da cavidade bucal dos animais e contagem de UFC/mL. Após 5 dias da indução da candidose experimental, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia para análise histológica e de microscopia eletrônica do dorso da língua. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de Tukey e Kruskal-Wallis (p ≤ 0,05). Os resultados obtidos nos testes realizados in vitro demonstraram que a CIM foi de 0,195% para M. alternifolia e menor que 0,01% para C. citratus. A redução microbiana observada nos biofilmes de C. albicans foi de 6,88 e 5,84 log, respectivamente, para M. alternifolia e C. citratus. Em relação à recuperação de C. albicans da cavidade bucal dos animais... / The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo of essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus and Melaleuca alternifolia on Candida albicans. In vitro study was determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. alternifolia and C. citratus in planktonic cultures of C. albicans according to NCCLS standards. The effects of essential oils were also tested on biofilms of C. albicans formed deep inside the 96-well plate for 48 hours. For the study in vivo, we used 42 mice immunosuppressed by injections of prednisolone. The induction of experimental candidiasis was performed by inoculation of C. albicans (108 cells / mL) on the back of the tongue of animals and administration of tetracycline in drinking water. Next, the mice were treated with three applications of the essential oil of C. citratus, M. alternifolia or saline (control group) on the back of the tongue. Samples were collected with mouth before and after treatment for recovery of yeasts from the oral cavity of animals and number of CFU / mL. 5 days after induction of experimental candidiasis, the animals were euthanized for histological and electron microscopy of the tongue. The results were statistically analyzed by Tukey's test and Kruskal-Wallis test (p ≤ 0.05). The results obtained in in vitro tests showed that the MIC was 0.195% for M. alternifolia and less than 0.01% for C. citratus. The microbial reduction observed in biofilms of C. albicans was 6.88 and 5.84 log, respectively, for M. alternifolia and C. citratus. Regarding the recovery of C. albicans from the oral cavity of animals, there was a reduction of 6.49 log for microbial M. alternifolia and 5.95 for log C. citratus. In the microscopic analysis of the tongue, there was... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

En los últimos años, el calzado fabricado en España, y en la Unión Europea en general, camina hacia nuevos conceptos en los que la sostenibilidad y la incorporación de los elementos "activos" van a tener un importante papel como valor añadido y elemento de competitividad. Este hecho obliga a los fabricantes de calzado y componentes a reinventarse y desarrollar nuevos productos que cumplan con las exigencias tanto del mercado como de los consumidores. Con los últimos avances en el campo de los materiales funcionales y/o activos se abre una nueva vía para el desarrollo de productos que presenten propiedades funcionales dirigidas a los diversos grupos de usuarios con características y necesidades específicas. En ese sentido, la tecnología de microencapsulación es una herramienta prometedora para este sector tan tradicional, ya que permite transformar el calzado en un nuevo soporte para proporcionar tanto un cuidado estético y sanitario del pie como para mejorar el confort del mismo, entre otras muchas posibilidades. La incorporación de sustancias microencapsuladas en los materiales o componentes del calzado permitirá dotar al calzado de nuevas prestaciones y alcanzar el concepto de calzado activo, el cual contribuirá a mejorar la calidad de vida del usuario, satisfaciendo las necesidades y expectativas de los mismos. El objetivo general de este trabajo se centra en la microencapsulación de sustancias activas tales como agentes antimicrobianos y aromas y su posterior incorporación en los materiales de calzado para lograr obtener un nuevo calzado funcional que permita un cuidado activo del pie de los usuarios durante su uso. Para lograr dicho objetivo, este trabajo se ha estructurado en cinco capítulos. En la introducción se detallan las necesidades del sector calzado y se presentan las tecnologías emergentes capaces de proporcionar un salto cualitativo en cuanto a sus perspectivas futuras. En el segundo capítulo se describe y se detallan los objetivos específicos perseguidos con el desarrollo de este trabajo de investigación. En el tercer capítulo se describen los materiales utilizados para llevar a cabo este trabajo, así como las diferentes técnicas instrumentales empleadas para la síntesis, funcionalización y caracterización de microcápsulas y materiales de calzado empleados. El capítulo de resultados y discusión consta de un compendio de 6 publicaciones fruto del trabajo de investigación de investigación realizado en esta tesis. Se ha realizado un estudio de la microbiota del pie sano, así como una revisión de las técnicas en el campo de la nanotecnología que junto con la microencapsulación presentan un gran desafío en cuanto a su aplicación en el sector calzado. Además y fundamentalmente, se ha estudiado la microencapsulación de sustancias mediante la técnica de polimerización in situ para encapsular un aceite esencial con reconocidas propiedades antimicrobianas como es el aceite de Melaleuca alternifolia. Mediante estudios de Termogravimetría (TGA), Espectroscopía Infrarroja (FTIR) y Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (SEM) principalmente, se ha profundizado en el mecanismo de encapsulación y liberación de los aceites esenciales estudiados, tanto en lo relativo a la formación de microcápsulas como en las posibles interacciones fisicoquímicas entre la resina y el aceite, así como su efecto en la liberación del aceite esencial en tratamientos combinados que simulan las condiciones de uso de estos productos. Los resultados obtenidos han demostrado que la relación resina:aceite determina en gran medida la eficiencia de encapsulación así como que existe un valor crítico que determina las propiedades de las microcápsulas sintetizadas y las posibles interacciones fisicoquímicas con los componentes del aceite esencial. Los ensayos de simulación de uso en calzado mostraron que el sudor influye en el perfil de liberación del aceite del núcleo y que la acción combinada de sudor y presión además modifica las características de las microcápsulas. El diseño de microcápsulas con resistencias y diferentes perfiles de liberación de la sustancia activa permite obtener un efecto más prolongado del aroma y/o efecto antimicrobiano en el calzado.

[Truncated abstract] Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important opportunistic pathogen, is resistant to a wide array of functionally and structurally diverse antimicrobial agents including antibiotics, disinfectants and biocides. P. aeruginosa is more resistant than other Gram negative bacteria to tea tree oil (TTO), the essential oil steam distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia and comprised of over 100 terpene hydrocarbon components and their oxygenated derivatives. TTO is an established topical antimicrobial agent, with antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Intrinsic antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in P. aeruginosa include the low permeability of the outer membrane and expression of multi-drug efflux pumps. A series of multi-drug efflux mutants from the resistance-nodulation-cell division family was obtained and their susceptibility to TTO and several components examined. This demonstrated that TTO and the components terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole and a-terpineol were substrates of MexAB-OprM, using both pump deletion mutants and the pump inhibitor Phe-arg ß-naphthylamide dihydrochloride. In complementation studies, the addition of mexAB-oprM to deletion mutants restored susceptibility to these agents to that of the wild-type, confirming the role of MexAB-OprM in tolerance to TTO and these three components. ... An increase in susceptibility to ticarcillin and Timentin occurred in PAO1 following serial subculture in terpinen-4-ol. Susceptibility to ticarcillin has been associated with expression of the MexCD-OprJ system in P. aeruginosa. A library of transposon mutants was created to find additional mechanisms by which P. aeruginosa could tolerate TTO. The library yielded a total of 20 mutants that were more susceptible than parental strains to TTO and/or terpinen-4-ol. The insertion site of the transposon was identified in 14 mutants and, in four mutants, this was a gene related to flagellar biosynthesis. Flagella deficient mutants have previously demonstrated enhanced susceptibility to the membrane-disrupting surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate and this echoes the increased susceptibility to TTO and terpinen-4-ol observed. Three non-sibling surA mutants were also identified. SurA is involved in the correct folding of outer membrane proteins, including porins, in Gram negative bacteria: surA mutants of Escherichia coli have phenotypes that are characteristic of a defective cell envelope, including an increased susceptibility to hydrophobic agents. The increase in susceptibility to hydrophobic TTO and terpinen-4-ol in the surA mutants is consistent with this and represents the first report linking SurA function to antimicrobial resistance in P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, several Mex efflux systems of P. aeruginosa including MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ and MexEF-OprN, as well as the LPS core, outer membrane integrity and a functioning flagella biosynthetic pathway contribute to the tolerance of this organism to TTO and/or several components.

Orientador: Juliane Maria Guerreiro Taomaru / Resumo: O Mineral Trióxido Agregado (MTA) é um biomaterial reparador, suas propriedades antimicrobianas podem ser favorecidas pelo acréscimo de substancias naturais como o Óleo de Malaleuca (OME) e o Farnesol (FAR). OME e é um óleo essencial, e Farnesol, um sesquiterpeno, ambos apresentam propriedades antibacterianas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades físico químicas e antimicrobianas das associações MTA/OME 1%, MTA/OME 2%, MTA/FAR 1% e MTA/FAR 2% e compará-los com o MTA. Métodos: Os testes seguiram especificações da ISO e ADA. O tempo de presa inicial (TPI) e final (TPF) foram medidos com agulhas Gilmore. A solubilidade foi calculada pela perda de massa após 7 e 30 dias. A alteração volumétrica em micro-ct foi analisada nos períodos de 7 e 30 dias. A radiopacidade foi verificada com radiografias dos materiais e escala de alumínio. O pH foi mensurado com pHmetro digital. A atividade antibiofilme foi analisada pela redução de biomassa de biofilme de Enterococus faecalis após contato com o material, pelo Ensaio de Cristal Violeta (CV). O teste de Contato Direto Modificado (DCTM) foi avaliado após plaqueamento e contagem de Unidades Formadoras de Colônia por ml (UFCmL-1). Os resultados foram submetidos aos testes ANOVA e Tukey, com 5% de significância. Este estudo foi dividido em dois capítulos: CAPÍTULO 1: Este estudo avaliou propriedades físico-químicas e antimicrobianas do MTA, MTA/OME 1% e MTA/OME 2%. Resultados: Radiopacidade e solubilidade foram semelhantes par... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a restorative biomaterial, its antimicrobial properties can be favored by natural substances increase as Tea tree oil (TTO) and Farnesol (FAR). TTO is an essential oil, and farnesol is a sesquiterpene, both have antibacterial properties. The main of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of the associations: MTA/OME 1%, MTA/OME 2%, MTA/FAR 1% and MTA/FAR 2% in comparison with MTA. Methods: The tests followed ISO and ADA specifications. The initial setting time (IST) and final (FST) were measured with Gilmore needles. The solubility was calculated by weight loss after 7 and 30 days. Volumetric alteration in micro-CT was analyzed at 7 and 30 days. Radiopacity was observed with X-rays of the materials and aluminum scale. The pH was measured with a digital pH-meter. The antibiofilm activity was analyzed by reducing biomass biofilm Enterococcus faecalis after contact with materials, Crystal Violet Assay (CV) and Direct contact test Modified (DCTM) biofilm was previously induced and analysed by the counting of colony-forming units (CFUmL-1). The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test, with 5% significance. This study was divided into two chapters: Chapter 1: This study evaluated the physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties of MTA, MTA/OME 1% and MTA/OME 2%. Results: Radiopacity and solubility were similar for the three materials (p> 0.05). IST and FST was lower for MTA and higher for MTA/OME 2% (p... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Orientador: Cleverton Roberto de Andrade / Resumo: O óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil - TTO) é composto por aproximadamente 100 componentes, sendo que os de maior concentração são o terpinen-4-ol e gama-terpineno. Os estudos da sua capacidade citotóxica têm demonstrado efeito sobre linhagens neoplásicas malignas. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade citotóxica e mutagênica do TTO e seus componentes, terpinen-4-ol e gama terpineno em culturas celulares. Duas linhagens de carcinomas espinocelulares orais e uma linhagem de ceratinócitos foram analisadas por: (1) Análise colorimétrica de Metiltetrazolium (MTT); (2) Teste do Micronúcleo. Os resultados foram expressos na forma de ensaios de susceptibilidade e grau de mutagenicidade. Posteriormente foram analisados por one-way Anova com pós-teste de Tukey. Os valores de IC50 obtidos nas análises de MTT das células expostas ao TTO foram de 0,2% para a HaCaT, 0,14% para a HSC-3 e 0,17% para a SCC-25. Para a exposição ao terpinen-4ol, os valores de IC50, foram 0,5%, 0,3% e 0,45% para as linhagens HaCaT, HSC-3 e SCC-25, respectivamente. O gama-terpineno, não demonstrou atividade citotóxica expressiva, não sendo possível calcular o IC50. O TTO não demonstrou mutagenicidade nas linhagens HaCaT e HSC-3. O terpinen-4-ol, não foi capaz de produzir mutagenicidade em nenhuma das linhagens em estudo. Conclui-se que tanto o TTO quanto o terpinen-4-ol apresentam capacidade citotóxica sobre as linhagens HaCaT, HSC-3 e SCC-25. O TTO não foi mutagênico nas linhagens... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil - TTO) consists of about 100 components, and the highest concentration are terpinen-4-ol and gammaterpinene. Studies of their cytotoxic capacity have shown effect on malignant neoplastic lineages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and mutagenic capacity of TTO and main soluble components, terpinen-4-ol and gama-terpinene in cell cultures. Two lineages of oral squamous cell carcinoma and a keratinocyte cell were analyzed: (1) colorimetric analysis Metiltetrazolium (MTT); (2) Micronucleus assay. The results were expressed as susceptibility tests and degree of mutagenicity. The statistical test used in the analysis was one-way ANOVA (Tukey test). The IC50 values obtained from the MTT analysis of cells exposed to TTO were 0.2% for HaCaT, 0.14% for HSC-3, and 0.17% for SCC-25. For exposure to terpinen-4ol, IC50 values were 0.5%, 0.3% and 0.45% for HaCaT, HSC-3 and SCC-25, respectively. The gamma-terpinene didn't show significant cytotoxic activity, therefore it was impossible to calculate the IC50. The TTO was unable to produce mutagenicity in HSC-3 and HaCaT. The terpinen-4-ol was not mutagenic in any of the lineages tested. In conclusion, both the TTO and terpinen- 4-ol had cytotoxic capacity on HaCaT, HSC-3 and SCC-25. The TTO was unable to produce mutagenicity in HSC-3 and HaCaT. The terpinen-4-ol was not mutagenic in any of the lineages tested. / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:44:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RAFAEL ALVES DE FREITAS.pdf: 1312091 bytes, checksum: 9a5914dcc41d33316a41e660ea64dacf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in hematological parameters of Nile tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus ) according sedation due to different tea tree oil and clove combinations. 230 fish were used with 66 g ± 18.56 g, clove oil submitted to solutions containing 0%, 20%, 40%, 60 %, 80% and 100% tea tree oil. at a concentration of 100 mg - L, a total of 6 treatments and the control group. So, we used 20 transparent plastic buckets 1.5 liter , 6 and 10 liter aquariums. Where the fish were individualized for observation of sedation and recovery times, at the time the fish reached stage 5 sedation, were selected for blood collection, that repeated 1 hour and 24 hours after sedation, with 10 fish every collect. The analysis of pH , dissolved oxygen, ammonia water and fish biometrics occurred before sedation, and at the time of each blood collect. The results showed that the clove oil , and tea tree oil solutions influence on hematological parameters, in the time sedation and fish behavior. It can be concluded that the tea tree oil is suitable for sedation Nile tilápia. At the same time it is concluded that the tea tree oil can be used in conjunction with clove oil with the objective of mitigating the negative effects caused by pure clove oil / O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar as alterações dos parâmetros hematológicos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus ) em função da sedação com diferentes combinações de óleo de cravo e melaleuca. Foram utilizados 230 peixes com 66 g ± 18,56 g, submetidos a soluções de óleo de cravo com 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% e 100% de óleo de melaleuca, a uma concentração de 100 mg-L, totalizando 6 tratamentos e o grupo controle. Assim, foram utilizados 20 baldes plásticos transparentes de 1,5 litros, e 6 aquários de 10 litros, onde os peixes foram individualizados para observação dos tempos de sedação e recuperação. No momento em que os peixes alcançaram o estágio 5 de sedação, foram selecionados para coleta de sangue, que se repetiu 1 hora e 24 horas após a sedação, com 10 peixes a cada coleta. A análise do pH, oxigênio dissolvido, amônia da água e biometria dos peixes ocorreu antes da sedação, e no momento de cada coleta de sangue. Os resultados mostraram que as soluções de óleo de cravo e óleo de melaleuca influenciaram nos parâmetros hematológicos, no tempo de sedação e no comportamento dos peixes. Pode-se concluir que o óleo de melaleuca é apropriado para sedação de tilápia do Nilo. Paralelamente conclui-se que o óleo de melaleuca pode ser usado em associação com óleo de cravo com o objetivo de amenizar os efeitos negativos causados pelo óleo de cravo puro.

Introdução: Os efeitos antimicrobianos de óleos essenciais têm sido relatados na literatura científica, sobretudo referentes ao óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia, também denominado óleo essencial de Tea Tree (OTT). Tal óleo essencial apresenta propriedades antissépticas e pode representar uma alternativa de um produto natural para higienização das mãos (HM) nos estabelecimentos de assistência à saúde que atualmente utilizam predominantemente produtos à base de triclosan e clorexidina. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia antimicrobiana na higiene das mãos realizada com três diferentes formulações de sabonetes líquidos distintos, contendo: óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia a 2,0%; sabonete com triclosan a 0,5%; sabonete com clorexidina a 2,0%, bem como compreender de que forma o uso de um sabonete com óleo essencial na higienização das mãos na prática assistencial é percebido por profissionais de saúde. Métodos: Para o experimento (etapa quantitativa) foram utilizadas as diretrizes da metodologia do Comitê Europeu de Padronização, EN1499 versão abril 2013 (phase2/step2), indicada para avaliar a eficácia de antissépticos para higienização das mãos. Foram contaminadas artificialmente as mãos de 15 voluntários sadios com Escherichia coli K12, seguida pela lavagem das mãos utilizando-se cada um dos produtos em avaliação ou um sabão de referência (soft soap). Realizou-se a contagem do número de microrganismos antes (pré-valores) e após (pós-valores) cada procedimento e foi estabelecida a redução logarítmica microbiana para cada um dos participantes em cada procedimento. Os dados foram analisados aplicando-se dois testes não paramétricos. Para a obtenção dos dados qualiquantitativos realizaram-se entrevistas cujos discursos foram analisados conforme metodologia proposta pelo discurso do sujeito coletivo (DSC). Resultados: ao ser aplicado o Teste de Wilcoxon, os três sabonetes testados obtiveram resultados superiores ao do sabão de referência (soft soap) e foram considerados antimicrobianos; constatou-se ainda a superioridade do sabonete contendo OTT e contendo triclosan em relação ao sabonete com clorexidina. Quando aplicado o Teste de Friedman, os sabonetes contendo triclosan e OTT, que apresentaram eficácias equivalentes, podem ser considerados antimicrobianos. A maior parte dos profissionais tinha algum conhecimento sobre Aromaterapia (65,21%), mas menos da metade conhecia as aplicações do OTT (43,47%). Profissionais mais jovens e menos experientes acharam o aroma do OTT agradável ou forte, mas não desagradável. Profissionais mais experientes e com mais idade o associaram ao aroma de pinho e levantaram a questão de o aroma ser incômodo para alérgicos. As principais diferenças observadas entre o sabonete com OTT e os demais sabonetes da prática assistencial foram em relação a aspectos físicos, como textura mais agradável, ao aroma e ao fato de ser menos agressivo à pele. A não agressão à pele foi considerada pelos participantes como o grande diferencial do sabonete contendo OTT, sobrepondo-se, inclusive, ao fator aroma, e que poderia contribuir para aumentar a adesão à HM. Conclusão: os sabonetes contendo OTT 2,0% e contendo triclosan 0,5% demonstraram desempenho superior em relação à clorexidina 2,0%. O não ressecamento da pele por produtos de HM é fundamental para aumentar a adesão dos profissionais de saúde. Além disso, a presença do aroma no sabonete pode ou não ser um fator de estímulo. / Introduction: The antimicrobial effects of essential oils have been reported in the scientific literature, especially regarding the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree essential oil (TTO). This essential oil has antiseptic properties and can represent a natural-product alternative for hand hygiene (HH) in health-care settings, which currently use mainly products based on triclosan and chlorhexidine. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy in HH performed using three distinct liquid soap formulations containing 2.0% Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil; 0.5% triclosan; 2.0% chlorhexidine and assess how using a soap with essential oil for HH in healthcare practice is perceived by health professionals. Methods: For the experiment (quantitative phase) we used the methodology guidelines of the European Committee for Standardization, EN1499 version April 2013 (phase2/step2), indicated to evaluate the efficacy of antiseptics for HH. The hands of 15 healthy volunteers were artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli K12 and then the hands were washed with each of the products being assessed or the reference soap (soft soap). The number of microorganisms was counted before (pre-values) and after (post-values) each procedure and microbial logarithmic reduction was performed for each of the participants in each procedure. Data were analyzed using two non-parametric tests. To obtain the qualiquantitative data, interviews were carried out, of which contents were analyzed according to the methodology proposed by the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD). Results: When the Wilcoxon test was applied, the three assessed soaps showed better results than the reference soap (soft soap) and were considered as exhibiting antimicrobial action; the soaps containing TTO and triclosan showed to be superior to the one containing chlorhexidine. When Friedmans test was applied, the soaps containing triclosan and TTO, which showed similar efficacy, were considered antimicrobials. Most of the professionals had some knowledge of aromatherapy (65.21%), but less than half knew about TTO uses (43.47%). Younger and less experienced professionals found the smell of TTO pleasant or strong, but not unpleasant. Older and more experienced professionals associated it to the smell of pine and raised the question of the smell being displeasing for allergic individuals. The main differences between the TTO soap and the other soaps used in health care practice were related to the physical aspects, such as a more pleasant texture, smell and the fact of its being less aggressive to the skin. The fact that it was less aggressive to the skin was perceived by participants as the great differential of the soap containing TTO, overriding even the scent factor, which could help to increase adherence to HH. Conclusion: The soaps containing 2.0% TTO and 0.5% triclosan showed superior performance when compared to the one with 2.0% chlorhexidine. The fact that a soap used in HH does not dry the skin is considered a critical point for adherence by health care professionals. Additionally, the soap smell may or may not be a stimulating factor for HH.

Introdução: Os efeitos antimicrobianos de óleos essenciais têm sido relatados na literatura científica, sobretudo referentes ao óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia, também denominado óleo essencial de Tea Tree (OTT). Tal óleo essencial apresenta propriedades antissépticas e pode representar uma alternativa de um produto natural para higienização das mãos (HM) nos estabelecimentos de assistência à saúde que atualmente utilizam predominantemente produtos à base de triclosan e clorexidina. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia antimicrobiana na higiene das mãos realizada com três diferentes formulações de sabonetes líquidos distintos, contendo: óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia a 2,0%; sabonete com triclosan a 0,5%; sabonete com clorexidina a 2,0%, bem como compreender de que forma o uso de um sabonete com óleo essencial na higienização das mãos na prática assistencial é percebido por profissionais de saúde. Métodos: Para o experimento (etapa quantitativa) foram utilizadas as diretrizes da metodologia do Comitê Europeu de Padronização, EN1499 versão abril 2013 (phase2/step2), indicada para avaliar a eficácia de antissépticos para higienização das mãos. Foram contaminadas artificialmente as mãos de 15 voluntários sadios com Escherichia coli K12, seguida pela lavagem das mãos utilizando-se cada um dos produtos em avaliação ou um sabão de referência (soft soap). Realizou-se a contagem do número de microrganismos antes (pré-valores) e após (pós-valores) cada procedimento e foi estabelecida a redução logarítmica microbiana para cada um dos participantes em cada procedimento. Os dados foram analisados aplicando-se dois testes não paramétricos. Para a obtenção dos dados qualiquantitativos realizaram-se entrevistas cujos discursos foram analisados conforme metodologia proposta pelo discurso do sujeito coletivo (DSC). Resultados: ao ser aplicado o Teste de Wilcoxon, os três sabonetes testados obtiveram resultados superiores ao do sabão de referência (soft soap) e foram considerados antimicrobianos; constatou-se ainda a superioridade do sabonete contendo OTT e contendo triclosan em relação ao sabonete com clorexidina. Quando aplicado o Teste de Friedman, os sabonetes contendo triclosan e OTT, que apresentaram eficácias equivalentes, podem ser considerados antimicrobianos. A maior parte dos profissionais tinha algum conhecimento sobre Aromaterapia (65,21%), mas menos da metade conhecia as aplicações do OTT (43,47%). Profissionais mais jovens e menos experientes acharam o aroma do OTT agradável ou forte, mas não desagradável. Profissionais mais experientes e com mais idade o associaram ao aroma de pinho e levantaram a questão de o aroma ser incômodo para alérgicos. As principais diferenças observadas entre o sabonete com OTT e os demais sabonetes da prática assistencial foram em relação a aspectos físicos, como textura mais agradável, ao aroma e ao fato de ser menos agressivo à pele. A não agressão à pele foi considerada pelos participantes como o grande diferencial do sabonete contendo OTT, sobrepondo-se, inclusive, ao fator aroma, e que poderia contribuir para aumentar a adesão à HM. Conclusão: os sabonetes contendo OTT 2,0% e contendo triclosan 0,5% demonstraram desempenho superior em relação à clorexidina 2,0%. O não ressecamento da pele por produtos de HM é fundamental para aumentar a adesão dos profissionais de saúde. Além disso, a presença do aroma no sabonete pode ou não ser um fator de estímulo. / Introduction: The antimicrobial effects of essential oils have been reported in the scientific literature, especially regarding the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree essential oil (TTO). This essential oil has antiseptic properties and can represent a natural-product alternative for hand hygiene (HH) in health-care settings, which currently use mainly products based on triclosan and chlorhexidine. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy in HH performed using three distinct liquid soap formulations containing 2.0% Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil; 0.5% triclosan; 2.0% chlorhexidine and assess how using a soap with essential oil for HH in healthcare practice is perceived by health professionals. Methods: For the experiment (quantitative phase) we used the methodology guidelines of the European Committee for Standardization, EN1499 version April 2013 (phase2/step2), indicated to evaluate the efficacy of antiseptics for HH. The hands of 15 healthy volunteers were artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli K12 and then the hands were washed with each of the products being assessed or the reference soap (soft soap). The number of microorganisms was counted before (pre-values) and after (post-values) each procedure and microbial logarithmic reduction was performed for each of the participants in each procedure. Data were analyzed using two non-parametric tests. To obtain the qualiquantitative data, interviews were carried out, of which contents were analyzed according to the methodology proposed by the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD). Results: When the Wilcoxon test was applied, the three assessed soaps showed better results than the reference soap (soft soap) and were considered as exhibiting antimicrobial action; the soaps containing TTO and triclosan showed to be superior to the one containing chlorhexidine. When Friedmans test was applied, the soaps containing triclosan and TTO, which showed similar efficacy, were considered antimicrobials. Most of the professionals had some knowledge of aromatherapy (65.21%), but less than half knew about TTO uses (43.47%). Younger and less experienced professionals found the smell of TTO pleasant or strong, but not unpleasant. Older and more experienced professionals associated it to the smell of pine and raised the question of the smell being displeasing for allergic individuals. The main differences between the TTO soap and the other soaps used in health care practice were related to the physical aspects, such as a more pleasant texture, smell and the fact of its being less aggressive to the skin. The fact that it was less aggressive to the skin was perceived by participants as the great differential of the soap containing TTO, overriding even the scent factor, which could help to increase adherence to HH. Conclusion: The soaps containing 2.0% TTO and 0.5% triclosan showed superior performance when compared to the one with 2.0% chlorhexidine. The fact that a soap used in HH does not dry the skin is considered a critical point for adherence by health care professionals. Additionally, the soap smell may or may not be a stimulating factor for HH.

Bibliography: leaves 214-239. / xviii, 239 leaves : ill., maps ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / The aim of this study is to identify the water use strategy of Malaleuca halmaturorum in response to salinity and waterlogging in the root zone and through this quantify groundwater use and the role of M. halmaturorum in the water balance. The water use strategy of M. halmaturorum is investigated in the saline ephemeral swamps of South Eastern South Australia to understand the effect of the wetland vegetation on the groundwater balance and the survival mechanisms and reasons for the decline in health of M. halmaturorum in the region. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Botany, 1997